Latest news with #InternationalThyroidAwarenessWeek
Al-Ahram Weekly
02-06-2025
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
During World Thyroid Awareness Week: Merck Launches a New Dosage of Euthyrox 75 Micrograms - Sponsored
As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness about thyroid-related diseases, Merck Limited Egypt announced the launch of a new dosage of 'Euthyrox 75 micrograms' in the Egyptian market. This announcement was made during the events of the International Thyroid Awareness Week on May 30, 2025, with the participation of 350 healthcare professionals from across Egypt, in addition to 14 expert speakers and session chairs in the field of endocrinology. Hypothyroidism is one of the most common diseases affecting millions worldwide. Patients suffer from reduced thyroid gland activity, which leads to a drop in thyroid hormone levels in the body. Thyroid disorders are among the most widespread endocrine disorders globally, ranking second only to diabetes, with up to 10% of the population affected—making it a major public health concern. It is also one of the leading causes of fatigue, weight gain, depression, heart problems, and other symptoms. Through this event, Merck aimed to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment of thyroid disorders. Treatment using synthetic thyroid hormones such as 'Euthyrox' can help restore hormonal balance. Merck is considered a leading company in the field of healthcare and is committed to its social and medical responsibility toward patients with hypothyroidism. With the launch of the new 75 microgram dosage of 'Euthyrox,' the company reaffirms its ongoing support for patients. Dr. Ibrahim Naguib Al-Ebeirashy, Professor of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology at Qasr Al-Ainy and former Head of Internal Medicine Departments at Qasr Al-Ainy, stated that the availability of the 75 microgram dosage of Euthyrox will benefit patients who require precise dose adjustments to avoid hormonal fluctuations. Dr. Sherif El-Seddawy, General Manager and Executive Director of Merck, confirmed that the launch of the new 'Euthyrox 75 micrograms' dosage reflects continued support for patients, alongside the company's commitment to raising awareness about hypothyroidism. He emphasized Merck's ongoing efforts to accelerate scientific and medical initiatives for the benefit of patients. Furthermore, Merck Limited Egypt praised and appreciated the Egyptian Drug Authority as a strategic partner for its ongoing collaboration and efforts to increase awareness among patients and physicians. Dr. Cyrine Hammami, Regional Head of Cardiometabolic and Endocrine Diseases for the Middle East, Africa, and Russia, expressed the company's pride in launching Euthyrox 75 micrograms in the Egyptian market, emphasizing that raising awareness about hypothyroidism is an important step for the community. In this context, Dr. Mohamed Ismail, Head of the Cardiometabolic and Endocrine Business Unit at Merck Limited Egypt, stated that offering multiple dosage options, such as 75 micrograms, helps patients avoid the complications of manual dose adjustment. Dr. Rania Rafiq, Medical Affairs Director, highlighted that raising awareness about hypothyroidism remains one of the company's top priorities, especially since the symptoms can be vague and often diagnosed only after long periods of suffering. Therefore, shedding light on this occasion is of great importance. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Thyroid Cancer: A silent threat South Africans shouldn't ignore
Thyroid cancer is often overlooked, yet its impact is growing in South Africa. Image: IOL Ron AI While thyroid cancer is not among the most commonly discussed cancers in South Africa, its global impact, and growing local significance make it worth paying attention to. As International Thyroid Awareness Week is from May 25 to 31, it's an important reminder for South Africans to take thyroid health seriously, especially since this often-silent disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. With early detection, most types of thyroid cancer are highly treatable, yet many South Africans remain unaware of the risks, symptoms, and treatment options. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck that plays a critical role in regulating your body's metabolism. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, thyroid cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide. In South Africa, although comprehensive national data is limited, specialists are seeing a steady increase in diagnoses, particularly as access to ultrasound and diagnostic tools improves. Thyroid cancer develops when cells in the thyroid undergo changes in their DNA. These changes lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which can eventually form a tumour. While the cause is often unknown, exposure to high levels of radiation, such as radiation therapy to the head and neck, can increase the risk. Family history may also play a role. According to Dr Eric Moore, a head and neck surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, most forms of thyroid cancer are treatable: 'Minimally invasive surgery may be an option, sometimes sparing much of the noncancerous thyroid gland tissue.' However, he cautions that rarer, more aggressive types of thyroid cancer can be much harder to treat. He adds that 'our research and treatment have made transformative strides in the outcomes for our patients with these types of thyroid cancer.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Women are more frequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer than men, but this doesn't necessarily mean they're at greater risk. Dr Victor Bernet, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, explains that women tend to be more proactive about their health, often leading to earlier diagnosis. 'Men have a risk, and we're not catching them as much,' he says. In advanced cases, the risk levels between men and women are nearly equal. One of the challenges with thyroid cancer is that it often presents no symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, however, people may notice swelling in the neck, changes in voice (especially hoarseness), persistent throat pain, or difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are easy to dismiss, which is why awareness is critical. Treatment usually involves surgery, depending on the type and stage of the cancer Surgical options include: Thyroidectomy : Removal of all or most of the thyroid gland. Thyroid lobectomy : Removal of one lobe of the thyroid, often used when the cancer is slow-growing and contained. Lymph node dissection: If cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, some may be removed for testing or treatment. Surgical decisions depend on the cancer's size, spread, and the patient's preferences. Many patients also require hormone therapy after surgery to maintain normal metabolic function. For South Africans, the takeaway is clear: thyroid cancer is not rare, and it's not always obvious. Whether you're male or female, young or older, understanding the warning signs and seeking medical advice when symptoms arise can make all the difference. IOL Lifestyle
